A Swiss engineer completed a journey around the world in a solar-powered car without using a single drop of oil.

Louis started his trip back in July 2007, and traveled thought eastern Europe, the Middle East and India before heading to New Zealand, Australia, southeast Asia and finally to the United States. He just arrived back Thursday in Lucerne in central Switzerland in his what he calls it “Solar Taxi” after covering almost 53,451 kilometers over four continent.

“We have achieved our first world tour without using a single drop of oil,” Palmer rejoiced at the end of his trip.

The solar car has only three wheels and towed a trailer packed with batteries charged by the sun. It can reach a speed of 90 kilometers “55″m/h. Not bad ha? It has also a battery for travel in the night and in cloudy conditions.

Swiss engineer completes first world tour in solar-powered car

“One of my goals was to persuade as many people as possible that renewable energy is ecological, economical and reliable,” Palmer told reporters.

Louis said his car broke only twice during his driving in the Middle East and the hazardous terrain in America’s Rocky Mountains due to the extreme heat. Other than that, his trip went great and he is planning to travel the world in 80 days for his next challenge, but in a faster car.

Via – Thewest.com